Deerfield, OH- On a cold November weekend, when most sportsmen and women would imagine being in a tree stand, crews from the Ohio Division of Wildlife teamed up with 15 members of the Portage Lakes Bassmasters to introduce fish concentration devices into Berlin Reservoir. In total, 50 wooden spools (weighed down with stone) were introduced up into the Mill Creek area. “This area is ideal for anglers in that it is out of the main speed zones and is fairly accessible from several boat launches.” says Matt Wolfe, fisheries biologist for the Ohio Division of Wildlife, who oversees this project. In addition to the spools, the Bassmasters built and placed 50 bass spawning structures onto a nearby flat. “The idea is that the bass will spawn in the structures, and then they will find shelter in the spools that are nearby.” added Wolfe.

The spools can be found at the following location:
 From N 41o 00’ 28.6” / W 80o 59’ 30.8”  to N 41o 00’ 26.0” / W 80o 59’ 25.8”  in about 9 - 12 feet of water
The map datum on your GPS unit should be set at NAD 83 to find the structures.

The goal of this project is to introduce 500 structures into the waters of Northeastern Ohio annually. With limited funding available, none of this would be possible without the help of local organizations who have contributed to this effort. First Energy Corporation, and the Portage Lakes Bassmasters partnered up with the Division of Wildlife on this particular project in its attempt to recruit the next generation of anglers and retain the anglers who already enjoy the sport of fishing.

Structure locations in other Northeast Ohio lakes can be found at the Northeast Ohio Fishing Prospects page at www.wildohio.com.